Shellharbour City Council last night unanimously endorsed a suite of key planning documents for public exhibition.

The documents include the Draft Community Strategic Plan 2022-2032, Draft Delivery Program 2022-2026 and Draft Operational Plan 2022-2023, Draft Local Strategic Planning Statement 2022-2042 and Draft Resourcing Strategy 2022-2032.

These planning documents are part of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework and set out Council’s strategic direction for the city.

They outline how Council will deliver on the expectations of the community in alignment with the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) and detail the current and future plans for Council’s service areas, operational functions and capital works program.

The Operational Plan has a strong focus on financial sustainability and asset renewal and is supported by a detailed budget, which sets out rates, fees, and charges for the year.

Budget summary 2022-2023:
•    Operational Expenditure - $185.30M 
•    Capital Works - $31.36M 
o    Renewal projects - $20,123,000 
o    New projects - $11,240,000
•    Net Operating Result (including capital grants and contributions for capital purposes) - $65.45M

Key projects:
•    Tripoli Way extension (planning and approvals phase)
•    Warilla Beach Seawall renewal construction project
•    Continued progress of The Waterfront, Shell Cove Project

Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the documents demonstrated Council’s commitment to improving the city’s amenities, facilities and services, while demonstrating continued strong fiscal responsibility.

“Like many councils, the preparation of the 2022-2023 draft budget has been challenging due to the changing environment caused by the pandemic,” Mayor Homer said.

“However, our city remains in a comfortable financial position, which will stand the community in good stead for the future. 

“Local governments were invited to apply for an additional special rate variation for the 2022-2023 financial year, however Council has chosen not to pursue this as we remain in a sound financial position and did not want to unnecessarily burden our community.

“In this budget, Council will deliver projects of significant importance to our community, with investment in new assets and infrastructure as well as renewal projects.

“We will also continue to actively pursue grants to further boost Council’s capacity to stimulate local jobs and the local economy,” he said.

Mayor Homer strongly urged the community to participate in the local government democratic process by having their say and input on the planning documents.

“Our city becomes a stronger place when people provide their opinions. We want people to tell us what they think of the documents and make submission on anything they feel could be changed or improved,” he said.

“Engaging with our community is absolutely vital if we are to deliver the infrastructure and services that are important to them.” 

Written submissions will be received until 4.30pm 25 May 2022. 

To make a submission:
•    Email: OurCity@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au
•    Mail: The Chief Executive Officer, Locked Bag 155, Shellharbour City Centre, 2529
•    Online: https://letschatshellharbour.com 

Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008.